A Blockbuster Christmas Series
“Imagine a world without Jesus . . . No Boundaries . . . No Freedom”
We’ve been talking about what this world would be like had Jesus never been born. We’ve seen how this world would be without hope, full of bitterness if there were no Jesus. Today, we continue talking about what things would like like with Jesus from a somewhat different perspective.
A world without Jesus would be a world without boundaries. We would be free to do whatever we wish. We would have no rules to live by. There would be no Ten Commandments upon which to base our decisions. We would be free to do whatever it is that we would want to do without fear. Sounds appealing, doesn’t it.
There are many people who would love to live in this scenario. They would love to have this opportunity. Live the way I want with no guilt, no consequences…it’s too good to be true.
If we lived life our way, it would only:
Get us in trouble
Restrict us (we would not really be ‘free’),
Bring out the worse in us – not the best.
We would always be questioning what was going to happen in life – the ‘what if’s’ of life.
At first impression you may say, “Well, that is exactly what I want – No boundaries!” I could do whatever I want any old time – that sounds perfect!
Even though that may sound good to the ear initially, I think many would agree - even most non-religious folks would agree – that boundaries, rules, guidelines are necessary to live in a civilized society.
More so, God’s boundaries, rules, and guidelines are coming from a loving Creator that knows everything – He never guesses about what could be…He never is guessing at what could happen…He does not have any “just in case” plans…
He knows your life – what you will face – what challenges will come your way – what your weaknesses are…and He has established safeguards for you in order to live your life within His loving arms.
You know what I find so interesting, many folks today tout that they “Don’t like God’s Word or Church because there are too many rules and restrictions that “box in” their ability to have fun. They feel as if it cramps their lifestyle. They don’t see that God’s boundaries are there for a reason, to protect us…even when we don’t know we need protection.
If you had to “Imagine a world without Jesus,” what you would initially think is ‘freedom’ would be nothing more than you living in ignorance & not knowing that you are actually vulnerable to an untold number of problems, frustrations, and ultimately spiritual hopelessness.
1. No boundaries means no guidance!
Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
No boundaries actually means that you are without protection. In the time of the judges, there were many cycles of sin. Basically, when the people of Israel obeyed God, things went well; and when the people of Israel disobeyed God, they experienced personal and national defeat and were judged accordingly.
And the same thing will happen to you & me if we ignore God’s Boundaries, His path, His rules, His ways. They are for our protection!
2. No boundaries means no protection!
We would have to negate the entire teaching of Ephesians 6:10-11 (revised) because none of the truths about spiritual protection would be available to us:
10 Finally, my brethren, there is no possible way you could be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 There is no armor of God, so you will not be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
What’s important about these previous verses is what it offers over the following few:
Ephesians 6:12-13 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
a. We live in a dangerous world– “the evil day”
The world is dangerous because no one is watching out for you. In today’s world, there is a dog-eat-dog mentality. And that is what you have if Jesus had never been born. BUT if you have a relationship with Christ, you have a relationship with the one who is in control, who is much wiser, and is always looking out for you and what is best for you!
b. We have a dangerous enemy – “principalities…powers…rulers of the darkenss…spiritual hosts”
This is referencing the spiritual realm that is over & above normal human beings. So, why in the Bible is the spiritual realm often referred to with these words “principalities…powers…rulers of the darkenss…spiritual hosts?”
There is a spiritual realm that is REAL, ORGANIZED, and MORE POWERFUL than you! So, IF you don’t have a power source that is wraps you in His care (Christ!), then you are left to the whims of a very real & wicked force that would like nothing more than to steal, kill, and destroy you!
John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
c. We are in a dangerous battle
How serious is the battle? Notice one more word in Ephesians 6:12 “For we do not wrestle…”
The word “wrestle” is interesting because there are a few words for wrestle that Paul could have used – words that mean, “friendly playing,” “pushing around,” etc… This word, though, is the Greek word “pale” (pronounced: PAH-Lay) and it was the term for the events that involved gladiators who, when they had pinned their opponents to the ground, would look up at the host of the games – usually Caesar – who would signal with his hand for the order to kill his weaker opponent. THIS TYPE OF Life/Death gladiator match was described as “PAH-Lay” – a ‘death’ match!
Likewise, if you want to imagine a world where Jesus had never been born, then you must dream of a world that is incredibly hostile toward your emotions, your physical safety, etc… It would be a battle for your mind, your heart, your will.
The sad thing is that not many people know that they are living their lives right now as if Jesus had never been born AND they don’t realize how vulnerable they really are.
3. The Good News is that Jesus has the answers!
The good news is that while were in that state of ignorance, Christ still loved us & invited us to come under his guidance and protection. His path – His rules – His ways lead to true peace and freedom. While we were bound up in our own life’s pursuits – unaware of our spiritual vulnerability – He provided a way to come under his protection…in order to experience true freedom!
I know I have shared this verse on many, many occasions but I hope you see why I like it so much. Because Romans 5:8 provides so much encouragement and hope to ones who are right now living a life unaware of their spiritual vulnerability.
The Bible tells us to put our trust in Jesus Christ when it comes to issues of the heart!
The Bible teaches that there is no other source of spiritual stability than in Christ.
In Philippians 4:6-7, I want to make two observations for you that will show how much we need to rely on Christ – His path, His rules, His way:
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Notice two things:
a. Jesus Christ can protect your heart & mind!
I’ve shared this before during our “Preparing to Build” series that the word “guard” means “to garrison” or “to place a fortified wall” around your heart & mind.
Christ is able to protect you from emotional things that left on your own would tear you apart! Christ can offer you calm in the midst of turbulent circumstances that – all things being normal – would disturb and unsettle the average person in this world.
But notice point number two – FIRST I said that “Jesus Christ is the one who can protect your heart & mind.” NOW, notice the second observation in this verse:
b. You can’t!
I know this is a simple and obvious observation – but we need this principle to sink in! Notice verse 6 “…but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God”
IF YOU could have been able to handle it on your own, the Bible would have instructed you to “FIND THE POWER WITHIN YOURSELF to protect your heart & mind!”…but you can’t do it on your own!!! Well, you may say, I should probably be able to rely on my own power to do SOME things, RIGHT?! No. Notice the words “in everything!”
So, If you can begin to imagine a world without Christ…you are forced to imagine a world to where the “buck stops with you” when it comes to emotional, physical, and spiritual stability! No one to run to – no one to pray to – no one to consult that is wiser than you. “YOU” is all you got…and you know what, my friends, I don’t have that much confidence in my own wisdom.
The thing that we must understand is that in a world without Jesus, there would be no boundaries. But my friend, that doesn’t relate to a world of freedom. In fact, not being bound by God’s laws and His protection would only mean that we are still bound, but bound by something far more restrictive. You see, a world without Christ…while it would be without boundaries, it would most definitely be without FREEDOM!
How to keep God’s Boundaries from becoming Burdensome:
Trust that God cares about you and everything you are going through.
Trust that God has the power to take care of you.
Trust the boundaries that God has put in place for you.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
